Another example of unintended consequences: a recent study found that smokeless or low-smoke fuels actually produce more ultrafine particles, which can wind up embedded deep in the lungs and even cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus having health effects, such as lung inflammation.
On the other hand, it has long been known that regular smoke from burning wood or coal contains larger particles, which also have health effects (respiratory and cardiovascular effects).
Ultrafine particles are less than 100 nm (nanometer) in diameter. Truly tiny.
Excerpts from The Guardian: ‘Smokeless’ fuels produce more ultrafine particles that get embedded in lungs, study shows
New research has found that burning “smokeless” or low-smoke fuels may be causing new air pollution hazards on streets and in homes.
These fuels are sold as alternatives to burning coal, wood and peat at home, but tests reveal their smoke contains large quantities of tiny ultrafine particles, smaller than the wavelength of light, that can deposit themselves deep in our lungs. ...continue reading "Smokeless Fuels Produce More Ultrafine Particles That Get Into Lungs"